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5 activities to do in London that will get you in the Christmas spirit

5 activities to do in London that will get you in the Christmas spirit

I find myself in a constant battle with scrooges, grinches and variations alike about when the appropriate time to get in the Christmas spirit is. I would argue anytime in November once fireworks night is out the way is the perfect time to start getting festive. However, because a lot of people might beg to differ I have devised a list of Christmas activities that are bound to get any grinch into the Christmas spirit. 

1) Lights, lights and more lights!
I think I went to at least three switch ons this year and they were all as magical. 
Head to Oxford Street to witness a celebratory guest (this year it was Rita Ora) turn on those magical lanterns that run all the way down London's shopping heaven. 
Once you've got your insta pic of Oxford Street stop off at Carnaby Street to see what bright innovative take they have on Christmas- you can expect to find carnival themed lights this crimbo. 
There are so many more but these two were my absolute favorite but there are loads all over the place and they are the perfect segway into the festive period.

2) Once you've done the lights and time goes on expect to see Christmas trees popping up pretty much everywhere. 
My favorite tree is the at Somerset house, it boasts Fortnum and Mason ornaments, it's huge and just absolutely beautiful. Expect to find incredible trees in Covent Garden, South Bank, Borough Market.. basically all over the place. If the trees and lights haven't caught your fancy there's plenty more going on across the city.

3) Skating! I would normally suggest Somerset house (which is incredible) but I recently came across a really great rink: Sklylight. Based in Tobacco Dock this mini icerink has a killer view of the sky line, serves mulled wine, fondue and lots more. It makes a lovely evening whether you're out with friends, on a date or taking the kids; this place has something for everyone. I actually don't like skating and refuse to do it so with all the boozy alternatives I was very happy to admire the skyline while my friends whized round the rink and I took pretty pictures. 

4) Mulled wine pop ups. This is my favorite thing about Christmas: the extra amount of booze that is about. I've noticed going around the city that there are on the go mulled wine carts, every pub is selling it, every pop up has some- people literally can't get enough of it. I make it, I drink it, I think about it (!) I am just head over heels for mulled wine. If by mid December you still aren't in the spirit just go and have some mulled wine basically anywhere and let the alcohol wash some festive feels over you. 

5) Now I realise a lot of the stuff I've said is quite commercial and that's not necessarily what Christmas is about. It's about showing care for the people you love and spending time together. Unfortunately so many people are left in the cold in this period and don't have family to help them, so all over London there are opportunities to help the homeless and give back a little. I help at my mum's church with food which is one way but there are also donation banks where you can give warm clothing, food and donations. This doesn't necessarily relate to feeling festive but it's just a way to give back in this chaotic period and remembering that for some people a small act of kindness can go far. 

So that's my top five things to do in London to push yourself into the Christmas spirit. If number four didn't get you then you really are a grinch. 

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